When we receive questions to our Ask Emmaline inbox, we take them pretty seriously. I mean, who else would listen to your questions about anything and everything under the sun, anytime of day, any day of the year? WE DO. We love to hear your questions, so don’t be shy… keep sending them in!) Today we are sharing a question that came in a few weeks ago from Marisol, and while we could give her a myriad of answers, it seemed to fit in nicely with the post we had planned for today. She asks,
I want to give a unique gift to my bridesmaids, but I’m not sure where to start. My sister is my Maid of Honor and my three bridesmaids are friends from high school and college. We each have a long history together, so something that is sentimental would be nice. Any ideas?
Photo Albums for Bridesmaids
Fantastic question, Marisol! We’ve shared so many amazing bridesmaid gift ideas in the past (even A to Z), but one of my favorite new trends is a scrapbook or photo album customized by you.
It seems like everyone takes THOUSANDS of photos (every, month, really, and since becoming a mom, I’ve had to transfer my photos over every few days because I take so many of Baby Andrew!) and they stay locked up as digital files forever. Isn’t that sad? Photos shouldn’t be kept on a computer; they should be turned into keepsakes to be flipped through and enjoyed for years to come. So, let this be your inspiration: get out there and print those photos, darnnit! And if you gather up all of those photos from through the years with your besties and compile them into photo albums for bridesmaids, they’ll LOVE you for it.
To start, you’ll want a blank photo album, one that has high-quality pages and leaves plenty of room for your own customization. Visit a scrapbooking store (do you have an Archivers or Michaels near you? Both have TONS of scrapbooking supplies) and grab some embellishments to add to your book. Then, get working on your digital photos: find photos you love throughout the years and send them over to a place like Snapfish to have them printed (or print them at home).
Next, you’ll need photo albums. One of our Featured Artists in The Marketplace is Watermark Bindery, which offers handmade photo albums for bridesmaids, weddings, showers, etc. The owner, Diane, also offers a selection of guest books (with lined pages) and smaller photo album books, too. What really makes them unique, though, is the way they personalize their photo albums and books. Diane tells us, “We hand sew our book blocks which gives us the flexibility to personalize the inside of an album or book. Names, dates, photos or a special thought can be added to the first page before its sewn and glued into the book case. The personalization is done with an Epson commercial printer using archival inks and will last for years and years. It makes your book truly memorable!” So if you want that extra special touch on your bridesmaid gift or wedding accessory, this is one place to go!
Here are some beautiful examples from their shop:
I had the pleasure of receiving a sample album to see the quality in person. This company makes amazing high quality books — I was able to feel the pages, see the cover, and it’s top-notch through-and-through. You won’t be disappointed, loves. Here’s what mine looked like:
These books obviously make great wedding photo albums, too! Here’s an example of how they can put their signature personalization on your wedding album:
Okay, enough hearing about it from me: go see them for yourself! And, P.S. Diane is great to work with, so you’re in good hands!
xo
-E.
